Preaching

Ok, let's get it out of the way right up front, because I know you are wondering about it.

No, our domain name is not in the dictionary yet, but in my humble opinion, it should be. I know I could have just used a real word like hermeneutics or homiletics or exegetical in my domain name, but "preachology" says it all...and it's not quite as stuffy as those other words.

Let's be honest. Sometimes we like to use big words when we deliver a message, because it implies we are smart or at least "smarter than thou."

The problem is that nobody knows what we are talking about and that can't be good for their spiritual growth. Let's make it real because that works better in the real world with real people, to whom we are ministering.

Now there's nothing wrong with those other words, the stuffy ones that is. I used them a lot when I was teaching in Bible colleges and Universities. Of course, I was a little more stuffy myself in those days. I'll tell you more about myself later.

But maybe we need a little less stuffiness in the ministry these days! I'm not saying tradition or formality is bad, in its proper place. I'm only saying it's wrong when it becomes more important than reality.

It's wrong when it hinders the development of real life relationships with those to whom we minister. I don't know about you, but I don't want to be fake!

We need ministers who are willing to get their hands dirty and get involved with people, you know, human beings on planet earth. Those real world people are not going to come to us, up on the pedestal, where we have placed ourselves.

We must go to them and relate to them...no matter who they are, how they are, or where they are.

Definitions

Preachology is from the words "preach" (to deliver a sermon) and "ology" (any science or branch of study).

Of course, it is also an "art" (a superior skill that you can learn by study and practice and observation). (Definitions from Word Web-Princeton University)

So, my definition? "The science and art of preaching." It's a craft performed by a real person. And we will talk much more about that craft later.

Goals

My goal for this web site is to provide a virtual handbook or online ministers manual for this ministry...all at one location. I'm also hoping we can learn together how to make Christian ministries real.

In general, this online guidebook and workbook will include a discussion of THE MESSENGER, THE MESSAGE, and THE MINISTRY. We will also include a MISCELLANEOUS section for housekeeping. You can see what's coming by looking at these section pages. (Capitalized words on the navigation bar.)

Here's how it breaks down. Alright, in the terminology of the ministry, here's the outline. And that would be the online outline, as it were. Sorry, I couldn't help myself.

Outline

THE MESSENGER

Who is the minister?

How does he become a pastor or a minister?

What are his clergy qualifications?

How does he prepare himself for Christian ministries?

How does he get his biblical inspiration?

How does the servant of God continue in the ministry?...and we'll answer much more.

THE MESSAGE

What does the minister say?

How does the minister study for his sermon?

How does the minister write or build a sermon?

How does the pulpiteer deliver his sermon?

May I have some free sermons?(Ok, I'll go ahead and answer that one...yes, I'll giveyou plenty of free sermons and sermon outlines.)...and we'll answer much more.

THE MINISTRY

Who does the minister speak to and minister to?

Where does he get education for the ministry?

Where does he find churches seeking pastors?

How does the preacher minister to his people?

When does the minister counsel or minister to his people?

What can a minister expect from his people?...and we'll answer much more.

Who Can Benefit?

This web site will benefit anyone, man or woman, who proclaims the truth of God's Word in any official or unofficial capacity. That would include pastors, teachers, evangelists, missionaries, as well as any lay ministers and teachers. I especially want to help those who have just become a pastor, those who are starting a ministry and especially the young preacher.

Anyone who has, who is, or who will in the future proclaim the truth of Scriptures can benefit from this web site. You can also be a benefit to other ministers who congregate at this web site and share biblical inspiration.

I honestly want my website, in some way, to help educate, edify, and encourage all who visit. There are many ministries and churches seeking pastors and I want them to be ready for the call.

But fellow ministers, I need your help. I pray you will contribute your opinions, your sermons, your poems, your illustrations, and your stories. I want other ministers to be inspired by you and your work as well.

The bottom line is...we need each other.

To that end this website was created.

Subscribe for Free Sermons and Ebook!

Please subscribe to my free newsletter. It tells you each month about the new information that I have added to my web site. It will also include some great ministry stories and favorite sermons and sermon ideas by me and other lovers of the ministry.

When you confirm your subscription, I would like to give you, as a free gift, one of my favorite books, "Power Through Prayer" by E.M. Bounds. You can download this book after you confirm your subscription. Here's the process:

Also, please subscribe to my free Mini-Blog. This RSS feed is a small blog about the preaching ministry (kind of a journal), which will let you know whenever any new or changed web pages appear.

It will also keep you up-to-date with other special postings and points out some of our super-special past information that you might otherwise miss, like free sermons and ministry helps. Click on "Preaching Blog" on my NavBar to the left of the page.

Someone once said to a minister and I sense them saying it to me now, "speak up or shut up."